Defensive Players of the Week

There were some strong defensive performances this week across the state. From the big dogs handling business up front to ball hawks making plays in the secondary, these guys showed up to play in week 4. Here are the top 5 defensive players of the week:<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24526" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-3-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42761" first="Jordan" last="Richardson"], ATH., Moon Valley HS (C/O 2021) Richardson totaled one INT, 2 forced fumbles, 9 total tackles and a 99 yard fumble recovery for a TD. To say he stepped up is an understatement, as he was a major factor in pulling off the upset vs Glendale. He did a great job of staying on the hip of receivers when manned up in coverage. He showed a solid POA as he was able to jar the ball loose twice. Richardson flows to the ball well and doesn’t give up on plays, which put him in perfect position to recover a fumble and take it 99 yards to the house. He is the do it all guy for Moon Valley, and should definitely be a player to get on your radar. [player_tooltip player_id="42841" first="Malaki" last="Ta’ase"], DE, Mesa Mountain View HS (C/O 2022) Ta’ase continues to wreck offenses every week. He racked up 4.5 sacks, 9 tackles, and 1 PBU against Desert Vista. He possesses a very strong base with excellent hand technique. He has shown the ability to utilize speed and power moves and has been very efficient with both. Ta’ase displayed excellent finesse on his pass rush and was able to consistently get into the Desert Vista backfield. He had multiple plays where he drove his opponent into their own backfield to blow up plays. Ta’ase is a monster up front, and should see some serious offers in the future as he still has another year left. <strong>Mason Parker, LB, Mesa Mountain View HS, (C/O 2021)</strong> Parker accumulated 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 PBU on Friday. Parker is yet another standout on a tough Mountain View defense. He is a fundamental, form fit tackler as he frequently transfers drills from practice into games. He shows excellent play recognition and plays like a mature linebacker. He has shown the ability to drop in coverage, but excels with run support, as he and the Mountain View defense held Desert Vista to 17 rushing yards all game. Parker will look to continue to contribute to a solid Mountain View defense with some tough opponents coming up.<img class="alignright wp-image-46082" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_4317-300x268.jpg" alt="" width="271" height="242" /> <strong>Brayden Nelson, DB/WR, Prescott HS (C/O 2021)</strong> Nelson had 2 INT’s which included a 74 yard pick 6 and 6 total tackles to help Prescott get their first win and upset undefeated Flagstaff High School 38-28. Primarily at corner, Nelson stepped up big time in coverage and run support. He shows good ball skills and can run with receivers. He is a two-way starter for Prescott, and played the biggest role in upsetting Flagstaff. Nelson will have a big chance at another big game this week against Mohave. [player_tooltip player_id="42768" first="Jonathan" last="Justice"], DE, Lake Havasu HS (C/O 2021) Justice totaled 5 solo tackles, and 3 sacks against Youngker. At 6'5" 215lbs., Justice was a complete mismatch for Youngker around the edges. He displayed excellent speed on the edges to get to the QB and stop outside zone runs. He had a very impressive play when he was able to recognize a bubble screen and pursue quickly to make a tackle for about a 1 yard gain that could've turned into a first down. Justice is a very dimensional player, and has a huge upside due to his size and athleticism. He even has room to put on more size, and is a big sleeper get on your radar at DE. &nbsp;